Toni Nadal gives his blessing to Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz for potential Olympics doubles pairing as he evaluates chances of Spain winning the Gold

If Nadal were to compete at the 2024 Olympics, he will be gunning for a third gold medal.

Toni Nadal gives his blessing to Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz for potential Olympics doubles pairing as he evaluates chances of Spain winning the Gold

Toni Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal (via Tennis World USA and Tennis.Com)

22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach Toni Nadal has given his blessing for his nephew and Carlos Alcaraz partnering up for the Olympics with a gold medal in sight. It seems like the most sensible decision to let two of Spain’s best tennis players team up for the biggest sporting event. However, it comes along with a few issues of its own.

The older Spaniard’s career is nearing its end. Therefore, he wishes to bid adieu at one of the most prestigious sporting events, the Olympics. While Nadal is no stranger to the Olympic Games, he is no longer in the pristine form he once was in, This complicates his chances for a third gold medal. However, his partnership with compatriot Carlos Alcaraz might prove to be fruitful, a combination of Alcaraz’s excellent form and Nadal’s wisdom from his experiences on the court.

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The 22-time Grand Slam champion’s uncle appeared to be supportive of the duo’s willingness to team up, in an interview with Eurosport. The Spanish coach said upon the possibility that his nephew is in good condition as well:

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I assume that Carlos is in good condition, so let's see if there is any possibility of winning an Olympic gold in singles or doubles.
 
However, the duo themselves have directly expressed their desire to partner up at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. 

If Alcaraz were to compete at the Olympics, this would be his first stint at the event. Doing so with a veteran like Nadal on his side of the court would be a big bonus for the Spanish youngster. This would be the 20-year-old's debutant appearance at the Olympics. To do so in the presence of a veteran who holds two gold medals himself is a great way to appear for the first time in front of the world of the Olympics.

Both Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal have expressed their desire to partner up for Paris 2024

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal partnering up for the Olympics will be a sight for sore eyes. A veteran Olympian teaming up with the new face on the stage will be quite the combination for both players.

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz
Rafael Nadal(L) and Carlos Alcaraz(Image via Tennis.com and Marca.com)

Carlos Alcaraz has spoken about how Nadal’s Olympic gold always inspires him. At the China Open, the same stadium where Nadal won his maiden gold at the Beijing 2008 games, Alcaraz admitted that it was even more special for him to win at that particular court. He has also specifically expressed his wish that he teamed up with his more experienced compatriot at the 2024 games. However, with both players missing the Davis Cup this year, they need to jump through a few hoops to even make it to the games.

Nadal has also been eager to make it to the Olympics. Speaking about which, he said:

If I'm in good shape and he's up for it, I'd be thrilled.

He also revealed that playing doubles with him will make him more motivated to close his chapter at the Olympics, with an eye on the great future the 20-year-old has ahead of him. Winning at Paris is not new for Nadal. However, he will definitely need to work harder if he wishes to bag another gold medal.

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